Further Complications

My experience so far dealing with cancer has been filled with complications.  After the ICU incident last week, I was moved to a regular hospital room on Friday, with the hope of maybe being released to go home on Saturday.  However, on Saturday, the doctors started to notice some fluid in the lung area.  By Sunday, I was retaining a substantial amount of fluid.  For example, my weight had increased from the 103 pounds when I entered the hospital to over 120 pounds.  Everywhere from my chest down to the bottom of my legs was swollen.  My abdomen was tight as a drum, causing me severe pain.  Also, due to the fluids in and around my lungs, I found it more difficult to breathe.  This made it more difficult to sleep as well.  Overall, it was not an easy weekend in the hospital.

On Sunday, the pulmonary specialist confirmed that I have pneumonia.  I continue to be on antibiotics, and this morning, they tapped the area around my lungs.  They removed 1280 ml of fluid.  This procedure was extremely painful.  They began the procedure, but as they inserted the needles and removed the fluid it really started to hurt.  They stopped the procedure for a few minutes to let me rest.  I felt so lonely at that time as I was not allowed to have others in the room.  I was crying.  As I started to pray, I received comfort from Heavenly Father strengthening me through the remainder of the procedure.  Fortunately, removal of the fluid has reduced my pain, and I have been able to sleep much of the afternoon, as I was not able to sleep last night.  

Unfortunately, these complications will delay the chemotherapy.  It will probably be next week before I can begin those treatments.  We remain concerned that other complications will arise.

Overall, last week was very difficult.  The pain and suffering were severe.  It has also been emotionally challenging facing continuing treatment delays.  Staying in a hospital is no fun!  Sleep is difficult, doctors’ visits are frequent, and the beds are uncomfortable to say the least.

Yet, we continue to receive tender mercies from God.  For example, last night as Steve and I were in the middle of our individual prayers, a call came from Ned Warner, a nephew-in-law who is a GI doctor in Idaho.  Steve did not recognize the number and almost did not answer the phone.  When we talked to Ned, I mentioned that I had been praying of how I am disappointed that I am not able to give service.  For an unknown reason during that thought, Ned and his family had come to my mind before receiving Ned’s call.   Ned had not called us before regarding my recent cancer diagnosis.  It was, in essence, God saying I know you are there even if I am allowing you to have some very difficult experiences.  I cling to that hope.   Although, I would much prefer the miracle that cured me, I am grateful that God is aware of my suffering.

Another good part of last weekend was the arrival of some of our children and all of our grandchildren.  This has lifted my spirits.  They have also provided a great support to Steve.  One special example, my granddaughter, Madelyne, made me a DVD of her playing the piano while singing many of my favorite Church songs.  As a lead in, they included the song  “His Hands”.  They also included some of my favorite pictures of the Savior as the song was playing.  This is one of my favorite songs.  I cried as I listened and the spirit was strong.  I felt His Hands were serving me through others’ kind actions including the medical treatments that I have received. The grandkids also sat down one afternoon, unprompted, and made get well cards for me. I'm proud to have such thoughtful grandchildren.

I have also been grateful for the many flowers and other goodies that have been sent by friends.
It's so humbling to have the support of so many great friends.